It’s January 24—so by now the whole country has started binging on chocolate and deeply regretting spending $400 on gym memberships. But for the steel-willed few who still haven’t broken their New Year’s fitness resolutions, the Bear Mountain Bike Festival weekend is a haven for athletes and cycling enthusiasts alike.

The headline event of the weekend will be the UCI Bear Mountain Canada Cup MTB Race. Featuring some of the country’s top sportspeople—Olympic bronze medallist Catherine Pendrel, the event’s defending champion, will be riding in the women’s competition, while seven-time National Champion and fellow Olympian Geoff Kabush will be vying for the top spot in the men’s event—Saturday’s mountain biking race will bring some of the country’s most esteemed names to B.C.

This year’s course, built by the Victoria Nature Trail Society, is likely to be longer and more technical.

“At six kilometres long and with 141 metres of elevation gain per lap, the course will be a challenge,” said Bear Mountain Cycling Manager Jon Watkin. “It will also have more single-track, but with lots of descending and passing opportunities as well. We want to showcase as much of our trail system as possible so that racers are given lots of variety.”The Bear Mountain Canada Cup competition will be complemented on the Sunday by family-friendly events. Youth will be invited to the Trek Tykes Bike Ride with Champions: a free experience in partnership with the South Island Mountain Bike Society that offers guided rides by age group with special appearances from some of Canada’s famous athletes. For adults, The Rocky Mountain Bicycles Enduro race and Corporate Relay Cycling Challenge will close out the festival with competitions for the trail enthusiast and weekend warrior.

Event registrations are now live—for those still able to fit into their lycra.

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